Golden Monkey

March 1, 2002Downingtown, PA

Reviewers: Charles Finkel

Victory Brewing Co.
Downingtown, PA

Available: PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA, NY, CT, MA, OH, MN, CA

Belgian yeast from a small brewery in Wallonia, and additional fermentable sugar provided by a local Amish firm are the source of this beer’s character. Brewed with German pilsner malt, whole flower Saaz hops, crushed coriander seed and dried Curaçao orange peel.

ABW: 7.56Color: n/aBitterness: 20Gravity: 1044

A monkey you would be proud to evolve from. What an inviting, erogenous nose―like cotton candy. Sit and slowly sniff. Golden is the perfect description. Spun gold, topped with a tarnished tan. The taste, too―pure gold, rich, fine, luminous, luxurious and exotic. So fruity, many people wouldn’t believe it was a beer. Beautiful as an aperitif or as a contrast to spicy food. We went ape for it at Thanksgiving with roasted bronze turkey, candied yams, and a slice of pecan pie topped with fresh whipped cream.- Charles Finkel

Very pale, fruity, with hints of spice. It has an aroma that I’ve encountered many a time. It is subtle, but I know it deceives. This is not a beer for those looking for “lite” beer. Its flavor and strength explode with the fruitiness of a traditional strong, Belgian-style tripel. This one is extraordinarily complex and worthy of being served at the best beer café in Brussels. Its warmth and character are so reminiscent of wonderful times in the company of friends and beer. Worthy of Belgian-style beer lovers, this one is American brewed.- Charlie Papazian

Very cosmopolitan this issue: a Belgian-style tripel. A pale, hazy blond color with a touch of red, and a big, spicy, citrus fruit and marzipan aroma. Tart fruit, spices and hops clamber across the tongue, while the finish is rich, creamy and fruity, underscored by gently bitter hops. Close my eyes and I’m sitting in a smoky Brussels cafe, waiting for the mussels and frites to arrive.- Roger Protz

Charles FinkelFounder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.

Charlie PapazianAuthor of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and a Beer Examiner at www.examiner.com, Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.

Roger ProtzRoger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.